Notes from the TUB

The Sweet Outdoors

Posted on 2016-07-20 By Todd McDonagh

Okay, so now we are well into July and in our last post, we talked about kitchen sinks. Today we'd like to have blog class outside and by that we mean in an outside, open-air kitchen. True, in New England the seasons are shorter, BUT, if you are lucky enough to be able to create a kitchen-area that is partially covered to protect appliances and guests from the elements, you really can enjoy cooking and eating outdoors for at least three seasons.

What will you need? Glad you asked!

Obviously, the first thing you'll need is a good grill, no point in dining outside if you have to cook everything inside! We like this Weber grill 'the Spirit' it's compact but packs a big BTU punch. It doesn't take up a lot of room either, which might be a consideration for those of us with smaller patios.

While dining al fresco is still happening (before the weather restricts parts of the country), the next step is to 'decorate' your outdoor space. This is the not-too-expensive portion of today's blog. We don't think anyone needs to spend tons of money on the decorate elements. So here are some fun ideas to enhance your outdoor space.

First, we'd like to show off some sweet tea light pebbles. Sturdier than most tea lights, these are crafted from stone, which ensures that they will not blow off the table!

How about some playful and colorful table settings? You can go in so many directions as far as plates, but we always like to bring on the color and pattern! We were drawn to this set from Kohl's:

Melamime is very sturdy, and dishwasher safe. These fun beauties ought to last a pretty long time. Mix and match with interesting linens and/or "silverware" (quotes were used because we are not talking about real silver unless you want to.)

Okay, now we're getting somewhere. We've got tea lights and table settings and grills, perhaps the addition of some lanterns or string lights? These low lumen lights add just the right amount of atmosphere to a backyard. They seem to transport you to another place and time; romantic and festive at the same time.

Ready, set, enjoy!

Categories: Uncategorized | appliances | kitchen,bath industry

A Kitchen Sink Primer

Posted on 2016-07-01 By Todd McDonagh

You’d think that because it’s summer we’d all be BBQ’ing every day. You might think that, but you’d be wrong. The kitchen and the sink still get a hefty workout in the summer;
vegetable scraping, watermelon cutting, ice cube tray filling – the list goes one. There are so many choices for sinks now that you should never feel stuck with a sub-par stainless
steel sink from your local big box store.
We don’t mean to be rude but even stainless steel sinks can be elegant. We’re not kidding!

Here is a breakdown of some of the materials used for kitchen sinks and the pros and cons: Stainless: 16- versus 18-gauge The ‘gold standard’ for sinks, stainless sinks
aren’t going away anytime soon. They remain the most popular material for sinks and a well-made stainless really should last a lifetime.
You don’t need to worry so much about the gauge – 16 or 18 won’t make much difference. It’s when you get up to 22-gauge that the metal becomes more prone to denting and vibrating,
and less able to handle a garbage disposal. Keep this in mind: the lower the gauge, the thicker the steel. If you are worried about sound-proofing, ask your installer to add pads on
the exterior’s bottom and sides.

Enamel: Colorful and Easy to Clean These sinks, sold in two versions (enamel-on-cast iron or lighter, less expensive enamel-on-steel), are available in many colors and are easy to clean.
The downside to enamel is the chip-factor; drop a heavy pan and you might just chip the sink which in turn can cause the metal underneath to rust.

Fireclay a very hard and durable ceramic material that looks almost identical to enameled cast iron. Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials. Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not "friendly" on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.

Solid Surface: Sleek and Seamless If your counters are solid surface, you do have the option of maintaining the ‘line’ by using a solid surface sink, however as far as durability, testing has shown that solid surface sinks might not hold up as well; they are prone to scratching from sharp objects.

Copper: Copper sinks are always a striking design element, and the beauty of copper is that it’s rust-resistant and antimicrobial, making them a great choice for the kitchen.
Just be sure to select a high-quality copper sink that is at least 99 percent pure copper — a small amount of zinc may be added for strength. No harsh chemicals needed for cleaning – just soap and water. Copper is considered a living material, so any striations or discoloring (which would be very slight) just add to the beauty of the sink.

And finally -- some other considerations when shopping for sinks: Double or single-bowl Double-bowl sinks let you soak a pot in one bowl while you rinse in the other. Just be sure that at least one of the bowls is wide enough to fit large pots or roasters. Sinks that are rectangular shaped are standard; D-bowls have a curved back and offer more space, front to back. How deep should a sink be? Bowls are usually 6 to 12 inches deep. The deeper ones reduce splashes, but depending on your height you may find it uncomfortable to reach the bottom of a very deep sink.
Remember that undermounted sinks will be up to 1 ½ inches lower than a top-mounted. HAPPY FOURTH EVERYONE - GET OUT THERE AND ENJOY IT!

Take it Outside Fellas, That Shower We Mean

Posted on 2016-06-16 By Todd McDonagh

Ah the wonders of showering outdoors, something that here in New England we really only get to enjoy for a few precious months during the summer.
True, there are some people who follow the European habits of cold showers and jumping from a hot tub to a cold shower. We are NOT those people. Showering is not an endurance sport, at least not to us. But there is no denying that experiencing an outdoor shower is something that everyone should try at least once (hopefully many more times.)

So in honor of Father's Day, and well, just in honor of the warm weather which is finally upon us, we are showcasing some of the coolest-looking outdoor showers that we've seen.

An outdoor shower needn't be overly designed or fancy. All you really need is access to plumbing, a good stainless steel
showerhead
(or some type of protection from extreme weather) and someplace to hang your towel and put your soap!

See? Those two Bob Vila examples are so simple - yet they get the job done.

This shower is a bit more private and it has almost complete coverage while still being 'outdoors.' The best of both worlds!

Of course if you have a pool and need to enforce the 'Please shower before entering' - this set-up gets the job done and makes it easy to jump right in.

And finally, a shower set-up that takes its cue from the Swedes; one part nature and greenery, one part teak wood - add a simple shower system and Voila!

Process Not Products, Bathroom Renovation and What to Consider

Posted on 2016-05-30By Todd McDonagh

Welcome to June everyone! It's the month where most New Englanders can safely count on temperate weather (rain notwithstanding the temps should remain
above freezing now!). While many people and almost every store are focusing on outdoor products,
here at The Ultimate Bath Store
we remain happily ensconced in the waterworks happening inside! If you've been thinking about a bathroom renovation,
now is a good time to start the process. Unlike kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations are shorter (not always easier due to plumbing) but as with any renovation,
steps must be taken and plans put into action. This week's blog goes into detail about the things you should consider when planning and then implementing a renovation.

We much prefer this bathroom:

Okay, so we still like to dream big....

So here are some of the important considerations you need to consider when beginning a bathroom renovation:

Budget

So far, in 2016, the 'average' cost of a bathroom renovation was in the $9k range. Most homeowners spend between $5,647 and $12,957. Of course these costs could be higher or lower depending on your choice of products; for example, buying and installing a new bathtubcan cost as little as $400 or go way up to $20,000 depending on your choice of tub (and boy do we have some spectacular tubs!)

Take a look at Kallista's inspiration gallery for some ideas:

Once you've figured out your budget; remember that unforeseen elements can always come up, so we recommend you add 30% to your 'lowest' estimate, just in case.

Time

Like your budget, time has a way of expanding (or contracting) due to forces that we cannot always control. If you've got a contractor who is acting as your general contractor (meaning he/she is overseeing all of the subcontractors, like the tile installer or electrician), the least amount of time a renovation might take is a week, but consider that rare. The average amount is more often 20-30 days. That's right, it could take a month to do a complete renovation. Some things just cannot be rushed. Products have to be shipped and installed, wiring has to happen, especially if you are moving things around or installing more downlights. Tiling of walls and floors does not happen in one day. Think of your installers as artisans, shouldn't they be taking their time? We think so!

Hidden Issues!

Oh, we hate to break it to you, but if you live in an older home, there might be all sorts of problems hiding in your walls. We are not trying to frighten you, we're not talking about ghosts. Well maybe the ghosts of a bad wiring job, or sloppy plastering and caulking and poor ventilation. Do it right the first time and your renovation will last much longer! A hidden flaw does two things; slows the renovation and possibly adds costs. Again, working with an experienced contractor will make anything that arises a minor bump instead of an emergency situation.

Measurements

You've probably heard the phrase, "measure twice, cut once," right? This is the golden rule of renovation. If you are working with a showroom, please PLEASE make sure you have the measurements of your bathroom with you at all times. And for good measure, if you can, have your contractor take the measurements as well to double check yours. This way when you come into our showroom and start looking at vanities and shower enclosures or tubs you will know exactly how much room you have. Want a double vanity? You don't want one delivered to your home only to find out that it's way too wide. Unlike sofas which can be cut in two and put back together, a vanity (with marble top for example) is fixed.

At this point, if you are reading this and thinking, 'we should speak to professionals', we agree! A seasoned bathroom designer can save you thousands in mistakes. Thousands. That's all we are saying. That and the fact that we have such people in our showrooms. We say so right here: Ourstaff featuresindustry experts with extensive design and product knowledge and they are available to work with you as a resource in making your vision a reality! Carry on and keep reading!

Contractor

Thinking that you can DIY? Have you watched any HGTV shows? Sure it's fun to get the sawzall and do the demolition but when it comes to plumbing and electrical wiring, we prefer to leave that to the professionals. Really. Once again, here is where we 'strongly recommend' that you (a) ask us before you ask your brother-in-law, or (b) ask someone you know who has just finished a renovation and IS HAPPY with their contractor. Referrals are important, and nothing against your brother-in-law but....'nuff said.

The NKBA website is a treasure trove of information about what it takes to be a professional bathroom (or kitchen) designer, and it's a great place to start to gather information. But again - this is what we do for a living -- so please feel free to come in and just talk to us. We are here to help!

Can't We All Just Relax?

Posted on 2016-05-20By Todd McDonagh

Looks lovely right? Well, this spring, all of us at The Ultimate Bath Store would like to encourage everyone to SLOW DOWN!
Ask anyone and they will tell you that they wish they could take the time to go to a spa, or even take 10 minutes to just "chill out." Well we are here to tell you that (a) you should, (b) you don't need to go to a spa to do it, and (c) there are many ways to give your existing bathroom a spa-like feel. Sit back and relax as we explain:
Let's break down some of the elements that you'll need:

Aromatherapy (candles, oils, something to put the oils into)

Warm towels

Great slippers and a great bathrobe

Scented shampoo or body wash or body scrub

You can get great slippers and bathrobes just about anywhere - you know the ones we are talking about (we found these at Zappos)

Now here are some items that also help:

Fog-free mirrors

Great pulsating showerhead or

Great bathtub - maybe like this one:

Some extras:

For the tub, a place to put your wine/beer/water and book/video

Bath pillow

For either tub or shower:

Music! Here are some speakers from Kohler that we think will do the job:

Engineered in close cooperation with Polk Audio, the water-resistant speakers offer high-performance sound that complements the DTV+â„¢ Digital Showering System. Their low-profile design makes them ideal for mounting in a wall or ceiling.

Video - we've got to go with ThermaSol again! Their Tranquility system (part of their ThermaTouch controller system) will sooth you with 9 pre-programmed scenes meant to calm and rejuvenate even the most tired of us!

A great shower seat! ThermaSol has what we think is the best on the market

So what are we saying here? We are saying that you can go 'all in' and design your perfect spa environment from scratch or you can use a few extras to help make every day a spa day.

Design Trends We Are Seeing....

Posted on 2016-03-30By Todd McDonagh

We've recently returned from the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, which takes place in New York City every March. The show has grown to include a very large Kitchen and Bath area, which they called reFRESH and yes it certainly was refreshing! Trade Shows are a great way to see what brands are working on and to get a taste of the trends that we can then bring back to you.
Here are a couple of trends that we spotted:

Organic Design, say good-bye to sharp edges, we saw a lot of bath products that had sensuous and more organic shapes. Everything from tubs to lighting seemed to be curvaceous.

Softer finishes -- last season, polished copper made a bit of a comeback, but this season, soft is in -- as you can see with a lot of brushed gold and in Kohler's case, French Gold. Lovely!

Thin remains 'in'. Gone are the days of thick ceramic pieces in the bath. Manufacturing techniques have improved and it's now possible for brands to create wafer-thin vessel sinks and even the pedestal sinks don't look as clunky. And fear not -- the ceramic themselves are very durable. We love this for bathrooms that are somewhat smaller -- any time you can cut down on the profile of the products in the room without sacrificing the beauty or details, that's a win-win!

So here are our picks for product styles we saw in New York City. Of course in May, we'll be headed to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) where we will see really far-out contemporary products -- we can't wait!

This vessel sink from Kohler actually hits upon TWO of the trends: it's both organic in shape and thin!
With its gently curved, organic shape, the Iron Plains sink combines distinctive style with the extreme durability, strength, and vintage soul of KOHLER enameled cast iron. This above-counter sink features a dual-color design that lets you choose your own combination of top enamel color and underside paint color for the perfect look.
Kallista has some amazing vessel sinks -- very decorative, and our current favorite is this one:

Quig Liu Decorative Vessel, designed by Robert Kuo
FEATURES

Hand-cast solid bronze

Exterior detail resemble ribbons or cascading water

Generous bowl provides ample washing space

Above-the-counter installation

Coordinates with traditional and transitional Settings

Beautiful!

Here is Kohler's French Gold finish on a faucet. You can see how much 'softer' this finish is than polished gold.

In the meantime, here in Boston -- this is the beginning of Design Week. If you are interested in design (which we assume you are if you are reading our blog), you have a host of excellent things to do over the next week. http://www.bostondesignweek.com/#!april-7/ck4f
Go and look -- educate yourselves on all things design! Then report back to us about what you saw and loved (and even what you saw and hated!)
#BostonDesignWeek"

Spring Awakening

Posted on 2016-03-03By Todd McDonagh

There is one product in everyone’s home that is used quite a bit but spoken about very little – except by people like us. We are talking about toilets. That’s right – the one product in your bathroom that is a silent sentry; when it works well, no one pays it any attention but when it doesn’t – look out! Here at the Ultimate Bath Store, we think of ourselves as the champions of this much-maligned product. So with that in mind, let’s see what’s new in the world of contemporary toilets.

What should you look for in a toilet? Though most toilets look the same, there are some things that we recommend you look for; not the least being a toilet that is WaterSense approved. WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program designed to encourage water efficiency in the United States through the use of a special label on consumer products. It was launched in June 2006. Most manufacturers adhere to the standards set forth by the EPA but you should definitely look for the WaterSense label when shopping. By using water efficient products and practices, consumers save natural resources, reduce water consumption, and save money. Here is where the rubber meets the road, as far as what WaterSense means to you:

Are 20 percent more water efficient than average products in that category.

Realize water savings on a national level.

Provide measurable water savings results.

Achieve water efficiency through several technology options.

Are effectively differentiated by the WaterSense label.

Obtain independent, third-party certification.

Kohler's New Veil Toilet

Moving on from water-saving, the other differences in toilet design come down to whether or not you want a one-piece toilet or two-piece.

How To Shop For Toilets

Here is a bit of information on the difference, from the Kohler website:

One-piece toilets integrate tank and bowl into a seamless, space-saving design that is easy to clean. Some low-profile models can be installed under a vanity extension when space is at a premium.

The unique design of the Rêve collection adds a sculptural element to the bathroom. With geometric lines and contemporary styling, this one-piece Rêve Comfort Height toilet delivers a bold design along with substantial water savings. The dual-flush toilet activates with the press of a button, offering the choice of .8 or 1.6 gallons per flush. At the high-efficiency .8-gpf flush setting, you can save as much as 6,000 gallons of water annually over a traditional 1.6-gallon toilet.

Two-piece toilets feature the traditional design of a separate tank and bowl. Two- and three-bolt installation systems provide a sturdy, level connection between the tank and bowl, making installation easy.

Kohler's Cimarron Two-Piece Toilet

The toilet above, Kohler’s Cimarron (also WaterSense approved) has a number of cool features: it’s a touchless toilet with the no-touch flush for your home. Just hold your hand over the tank sensor to activate the flush. No handle to touch means fewer germs to pick up or leave behind. This Cimarron toilet features innovative AquaPiston technology, a patented flush engine that delivers a fast, powerful, and virtually plug-free flush. A 1.28-gallon flush provides significant water savings of up to 16,500 gallons per year, compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet, without sacrificing performance.

Okay, so you’ve decided on whether you’d like a one-piece or two-piece (sort of like choosing a bathing suit right?) – but here is one other design element to keep in mind and it’s called ‘Easy Height.’

Look, we are all aging, it can’t be helped but what can be helped is making it easier for our older leg muscles. Easy Height toilets, as the name implies, are taller – not noticeably so but enough that when you sit down you do not need to lower yourself into a crouch. Trust us – you’ll appreciate this as you age.

Comfort Height toilets, approximately 2 inches taller than traditional toilets, make sitting down and standing up easier. Toilets that measure between 17 and 19 inches in height from the floor to the top of the seat are considered Comfort Height toilets, whereas traditional toilets measure below 17 inches in height. Many Comfort Height toilets are also ADA-compliant when installed per the applicable guidelines.

The Cimarron toilet above is an Easy Height toilet. Here is one other from Kohler, their San Souci Touchless Comfort Height toilet:

Kohler San Souci Comfort Height Toilet

The San Souci one-piece toilet offers a sleek, contemporary design combined with KOHLER touchless flush. Just hold your hand over the tank sensor to activate the flush. No handle to touch means fewer germs to pick up or leave behind. This toilet features innovative AquaPiston technology, a patented flush engine that delivers a fast, powerful, and virtually plug-free flush. A 1.28-gallon flush provides significant water savings of up to 16,500 gallons per year, compared to a 3.5-gallon toilet, without sacrificing performance.

The top of the line toilet (shown at the beginning of this post), is Kohler’s Veil series, which has all the bells and whistles….including a heated seat (ahhhh) and an automatic deodorization system. Right? Everything!

It seems as though toilet technology has thought of everything – you don’t even need to TOUCH the toilet to get it to flush! If only they had built-in night lights — if only – but WAIT! Of course they do!! Kohler (and other manufacturers) now have night lights, using LEDs built right into the toilet seat covers! Brilliant (pun intended).

Kohler's Night Light Toilet

Nightlight runs automatically on a seven-hour cycle so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on during the day or turning it on every night. With just the push of a button, you program the first cycle, and the Nightlight will activate at the same time every night. The slim, low-profile toilet seat runs on four “AA” batteries for up to six months, so you don’t have to deal with messy cords or wires that add clutter in your bathroom.

Except for perhaps bringing you reading material, we proclaim toilets to no longer be plain and boring!

They Call Me Mister Tubs

Posted on 2016-02-17By Todd McDonagh

Kohler's Escale Freestanding Tub

Okay, the real title of that movie was ‘They Call Me Mister Tibbs’, which starred Sidney Poitier and came out in 1970, so we know we are showing our age. We just couldn’t resist the word play – forgive us!

We DO want to talk about tubs in this post; soaking, freestanding, built-in, claw-footed, contemporary – you name it – you can find one. There are quite a few considerations to think about when redesigning a bathroom to accommodate a tub – with the size of the room being the biggest concern. Freestanding tubs, while eye-catching, need room on all sides. Room not only for the tub but for accessories; the floor-mounted tub filler, perhaps a stool where you can remove your slippers before you step in to the tub and where oh where do you put the shampoo so it’s within your reach? These are the things that keep us up at night – we are that passionate about bath design.

Margaux® floor-mount bath filler with handshower

Luckily, options are plentiful no matter what you home style or perhaps even the size of your bathroom. Unless it’s a powder room, most bathrooms are able to accommodate tubs. If you are designing or renovating an existing bathroom – we suggest thinking about some of these things beforehand:

What ‘type’ of tub – this information comes from Kohler’s website and it is extremely helpful.

Alcove Tubs:

An alcove is a recessed nook or area within a room. Fixtures designed for corner or three-wall alcove installations feature unfinished exteriors and tile flanges on two to four sides. Many of these fixtures include an integral apron to complete the design. Alcove baths are available in 5 feet, 5.5 feet and 6 feet lengths. Here is Kohler’s Mariposa Alcove tub:

Alcove Tub

Kohler Mariposa Alcove Tub

Kohler Tercet Corner Tub

This corner tub has something called BubbleMassage hydrotherapy which sounds relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time!

Moving along, we have Drop-In tubs

Kohler Underscore Drop In Bath

Fixtures designed for drop-in installation have a self-rimming edge that rests on the material – such as tile or stone – that surrounds your whirlpool or bath. And of course tubs don’t need to be rectangular – as you can see with this lovely Kohler whirlpool/drop-in tub:

Kohler Drop-in Whirlpool Tub

Freestanding

This installation option is ideal when the bath is the focal point of the room. Accessible from all sides, the freestanding bath highlights the beauty of the design.

Bain Ultra's Amma

So, what have we learned – size, shape and style are major considerations when choosing a tub. If you want more bells and whistles you can get a whirlpool tub; Bain Ultra has LOTS to choose from.

Once you’ve chosen your tub, don’t forget to figure out where your accessories will go – you do not want to be having a wonderful soak only to find out that you had neglected to find a spot for the shampoo and soap.

In our next post, we will showcase floor-mounted tub fillers, since the options are plentiful for this product — and it’s something that people don’t always think about because their thoughts are usually more about being IN the tub then thinking of what’s around the tub.

Again – here at The Ultimate Bath Store — we obsess over every detail. It’s part of our DNA, and when we tell you to go soak your head – we mean it in the best possible sense.

Color Forecast Calls For The Blues….And Some Pink Too

Posted on 2016-01-31By Todd McDonagh

By now everyone may have heard that Pantone has chosen not one, but TWO colors for 2016. You might wonder why we even care, but anyone in the home or interior design industry pays attention to their forecast because it indicates which colors we will begin to see manufacturers using when designing new products. Do we love the colors they choose? Not always but we respect that they are the trend-spotters when it comes to colors. Here are the colors, called Rose Quartz and Serenity:

Pantone's Color(s) for 2016

Well we at The Ultimate Bath Stores are not intimidated or put off by these choices at all! In fact, we’ve just returned from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), where we saw many many products that make excellent use of these colors without them being too ‘soft’. Here are our picks for integrating these colors (or a close approximation) into your bathroom design -

Ronbow ‘s Ceramic Vessel Sinks.

Ronbow Ceramic Vessel Sink

For more than a decade Ronbow has been manufacturing luxurious bathroom furnishings. Known primarily for their vanities – they take great pride in the crafting of their furniture AND their ceramics. They’ve recently introduced an entirely new collection of vanities that we will discuss in an upcoming post, but we couldn’t do a post about color and not include these ceramic vessels. These sweet sinks make it hip to be square (we couldn’t resist.) They are offered in a stylish array of colors: white, black, cool gray, medium blue, pear green and sky blue. With a smooth and shiny surface, clean lines and a daring shape with tapered sides, each sink is an elegant and versatile addition to the bath, offering a refreshing and vibrant look.

If you’d rather stick to neutral or white sinks, but want to add subtle dashes of colors, we definitely recommend updating your vanities. We work with two manufacturers (more really but we will focus on these two right now) – Ronbow and Bertch.

Bertch's Interlude-Loft Collection

We love this Interlude-Loft Collection because the colors are muted (notice that it makes use of both the blue-ish and the pink.) Well done!

Ronbow's Newcastle Vanity Collection

Ronbow’s Newcastle collection is a perfect marriage of reserved style and contemporary luxury. The ‘secret sauce’ for all Ronbow vanities is not only how they are made but the ‘extras’ that are standard. They offer incredible amounts of storage options for their vanities, understanding that no matter the size of your bathroom, storage is always needed. The finish color on this collection is Ocean Gray, which is a very subtle blue/gray.

Detail of Newcastle Interior

Here is another vanity from Bertch – a classic white vanity but with bold blue walls.

Bertch's Legend Collection

Each manufacturer mentioned here uses best practices when manufacturing products…meaning they are ‘green’, so you can feel good about having the best products in your home.

How have you incorporated this year’s colors into your home – let us know!